FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
To mark Veganuary 2022, Sodexo has released food sales data showing the month-on-month increase in purchases of both vegan and vegetarian meals across its UK foodservice outlets at corporate client sites.
Sodexo food sales data revealed today shows that, by the end of 2021, vegan and vegetarian meal options were forming 13 per cent of all meal sales at offices and other corporate client sites where it provides catering. This marks a significant increase on the start of the year when these meals represented just 8 per cent of all those sold.
During November 2021, the most recent complete month of data, 41 per cent of all the non-meat or non-fish meals sold were vegan. This was the highest proportion of vegan meals selected since Sodexo began tracking this data in September 2020.
Vegan options offered by Sodexo include: Jackfruit Jalfrezi, No Chicken Enchiladas, Falafel Burger, Kentucky Fried Jackfruit, Vegan Tacos, Vegetable Pad Thai, Ratatouille Pasta, Aubergine and Pepper Balti, Korean Stir Fried Tofu, Quorn Jambalaya and many more.
Claire Atkins-Morris, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Sodexo said: “As part of our Net Zero commitment, we understand that plant-based meals have a lower carbon impact. We have set ourselves the goal of increasing the number of plant-based meals and recipes we supply to 33 per cent by 2025. “
“The incremental increase in sales of vegan and vegetarian meals we are already seeing across our sites is hugely encouraging and reflective of a change in consumer awareness and increased choice. We are a proud supporter of Veganuary and want to highlight our support through raising awareness of the positive impact of plant-based meals and support consumers to choose sustainable dishes that are tasty and exciting.”
Toni Vernelli, Head of Communication & Marketing at Veganuary said:“Whether driven by concerns for the planet, health improvements or animal welfare, one thing is certain – veganism is a trend that keeps on trending, and we’re thrilled to see Sodexo reporting such significant growth in sales on vegan and vegetarian meals. Veganuary is here to help everyone who wants to try vegan, but our job is made so much easier when companies like Sodexo are providing such delicious, accessible options in their corporate client sites.”
The figures were collated from 145 catering outlets across Sodexo’s corporate clients using its EPOS data.
FMJ & Advetec are on a mission to help FMs accelerate their NetZero plans – but it’s a process that must first start with lifting the blindfold, challenging the waste supply chain, being accountable and making great user of technology.
On the 26th January at 11am FMJ & Advetec are holding a webinar on how biotechnology can help FMs achieve their sustainability goals and reduce food waste.
FMJ Editor, Sara Bean, will be joined by:
- Dr Stephen Wise, Chief Strategic Development Officer, Advetec
- Rochelle Gee, Head of Property Services, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
- Ray Parmenter, CChem MRSC, MCIWM, CIWM: Head of Policy and Technical
- Chris Havers, Programme Director Acclaro Advisory & SFMI
Together they will discuss:
- The role of the circular economy in helping cut carbon emissions.
- Challenges and opportunities for FMs in managing waste to meet environment, social and governance (ESG).
- How the latest technology is available to help.
Click here to register.
